SIDS by Baby's Age Infographic

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year of age. SIDS is also the third-leading cause of death for infants up to 1 year of age.

Even though SIDS can occur anytime during a baby's first year, most SIDS deaths occur in babies between 1 and 4 months of age.

72% of SIDS deaths occur in Months 1-4

More than 90% of SIDS deaths occur before babies reach 6 months of age.

SIDS is less common after 8 months of age, but parents and caregivers should continue to follow safe-sleep practices to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death until baby's first birthday.

Source: Technical Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

To reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death:

Always place baby on his or her back to sleep for all sleep times, including naps.

Room share—keep baby's sleep area in the same room next to where you sleep.